This wonderful park has been a jewel for all in our area to use and enjoy. It has also been a source of pride to show to visitors to our city. People of all socioeconomic levels have had equal access to its attractions, including hiking, picnicking, a playground for children or viewing the International Rose Test Garden.

The City Council has been misdirected with this decision. We are told that the city anticipates revenues of $2 million a year. I don't see where this figure is listed as net revenue. What are the monetary costs of implementing and running this program? Also, what are the costs of upsetting people who want to use their park?

Taxes are paid. Now this additional fee removes some of the beauty of the park. Is this really worth doing?

Regarding the article "No walk in the park with parking" (Jan. 11), I will be waiting and watching to
see just what the estimated $2 million a year in new parking fees at Washington
Park is spent on, once it enters the giant maw of the city's budget. Those should be some kind of "safety and transportation improvements throughout
the park," assuming the money is not spent for other purposes, as has been the
case in the past with dedicated city revenue sources.

As one of
the reasonable people quoted in the article said, "I don't mind paying to
improve (the park)." Neither do I. But I feel like I've been doing
that most of my life as a Portland citizen and property tax payer.

It's
just that city leaders have failed to allocate the necessary funds to get the
job done. And now tranquil, scenic Washington Park is metered, just like in downtown Portland.

Alan
WillisSouthwest Portland

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Free
parking at the zoo was a big incentive for Portland residents to take out an
annual membership and plan frequent short visits during the year. No
more.

Pleas to offer a free parking pass with annual memberships was brushed
off by officials. I wonder how many people did not renew based on the new
parking fees.